Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell is more than a dentist — she’s a passionate advocate for airway-focused care and women’s health, with a mission to help patients breathe, sleep, and live better. Her journey into airway dentistry began when her son showed signs of sleep-disordered breathing. Frustrated by vague answers and misdiagnoses, she dove deep into research, and she uncovered just how overlooked and misunderstood sleep apnea can be, especially in children and women.
What began as a mother’s mission quickly evolved into a professional calling. She states, “The medical community recently had conversations with dentistry about our influence in screening for conditions such as sleep apnea that are affected by poor airway health. As an advocate for my son, I became very interested in this practice.” Today, Dr. Mitchell combines her expertise in dentistry with a focus on sleep-disordered breathing and oral appliance therapy, offering patients non-invasive options to treat conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Her practice doesn’t just treat teeth — it supports the whole patient, with an emphasis on early intervention, collaboration with medical providers, and preventive airway care.
Dr. Mitchell is especially passionate about supporting women who are often misdiagnosed or dismissed when it comes to sleep issues. “Many young, active women take great care of themselves — eating well, exercising, staying on top of their health — yet still feel tired, anxious, or unfocused,” she explains. “These symptoms are often brushed off or blamed on stress, but they can be signs of disrupted breathing during sleep.”
Sleep apnea is traditionally associated with males who have an elevated body mass index (BMI) and a larger neck circumference. However, research shows it affects all people, including fit, health-conscious women who may not snore or show classic signs. Prioritizing your health means paying attention to how you sleep, and airway health is a vital part of whole-body wellness, especially for strong, high-performing women who deserve to feel and function their best.
Through personalized evaluations and custom-fit oral appliances, Dr. Mitchell helps her patients reclaim restful sleep without relying solely on CPAP therapy. She also emphasizes education and empowerment, ensuring patients understand how breathing and dental health are deeply connected to overall performance.
She often reminds her patients, “Breath is life. How can you restore and function optimally if you are not breathing?”
Whether she’s working with a child who’s struggling in school or a woman who’s been told her fatigue is “just stress,” Dr. Mitchell is committed to listening, digging deeper, and offering real solutions. Her approach combines cutting-edge dentistry with compassionate, whole-body care, helping her patients not only survive but also thrive.
For more information or to make an appointment at Mid-South TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center, PLLC, visit myapneadentist.com or call 901.486.7088.
By Amanda Tompkins
